• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.417-426
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• 2001

Objectives : To analyse the psychosocial factors associated with hypertension management(drug treatment and life style modification) of newly detected cases and to understand and assess their behavioral intention or behaviors. Methods : The survey area was a combined urban and rural area in Chungnam province, Korea, and the sampling method was cluster sampling. Study subjects included 541 newly detected cases of hypertension rated above stage 2 by JNC-VI from a community survey. The first survey was applied to 383 of these patients in order to discern their psychosocial characteristics. A follow-up survey was given to 345 persons with an 11-month interval following monthly telephone counseling concerning medication and life style modification by trained nurses. The final study subjects for analysis comprised 271 persons after excluding cases of incomplete data and change of address. Results : Among the 85(33.2%) new patients who had intended to undergo drug treatment, 30(35.3%) persons were treated with antihypertensive agent after 11 - month interval, while among the patients with no intention to receive treatment, only 36(21.1%) persons were treated. Hypertensive patients with a high intention score revealed a high score in life style modification compliance as well. Seventy three percent of the variance of behavioral intention to undergo hypertension management was explained by the patients attitude toward performing the behavior and subjective norm associated with behaviors related to the theory of reasoned action in structural modeling. Actual behaviors related positively with behavioral intention. The coefficient of determination was 0.255. Conclusion : Improving the compliance level of hypertensive patients in respect to drug treatment or life style modification requires a build up of positive behavioral intention, and caregivers must pay more attention to eventually converting behavioral intention to actual behaviors.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.711-719
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• 1996

Fermentation characteristics of kwahaju (a typical Korean traditional alcoholic beverage) base were investigated during fermentation with different contents of nuruk (Korean-style bran koji) extract. The nuruk extract which was prepared by incubating the mixture of nuruk powder and water at $25^{\circ}C$ overnight and by filtering it was used to be 0.6%, 2.7%, 5% and 10% (v/v). Total and reducing sugar contents as well as acidity of the kwahaju base with 0.6% nuruk extract were higher than those with 2.7%, 5% and 10% at the fermentation end. Final pH values of all the base samples were ranged from 3.3 to 4.1. Alcohol concentrations of the base samples with 2.7%, 5% and 10% nuruk extract were higher than those with 0.6%. Microbial growth rate was great and inner temperature was high in the sample with high content of nuruk extract, but fermentation period was short. Total sugar consumption and alcohol production increased as the content of nuruk extract increased, but total acid production decreased. The base sample with 10% nuruk extract showed the most excellent fermentation efficiency. Fusel oil content of the base sample with 2.7% nuruk extract was the highest (457.3 ppm), and those wity 5% and 10% nuruk extract were 438.9 ppm and 442.6 ppm, respectively. The sample with 0.6% nuruk extract had the lowest content (409.5 ppm). Sensory evaluation of both the kwahaju base and kwahaju mix with 25% and 40% alcohol by adding soju (Korean distilled liquor) showed that the base with 2.7% nuruk extract had the highest score, and that the kwahaju mix with 25% alcohol had higher score than that with 40%. The sensory results on overall desirability were consistent to those on color and alcohol concentration, and it turned out that the two factors were important to make kwahaju.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.188-191
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• 2006

Objective : The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and necessity of combined anterior approach [discectomy and fusion] and posterior approach[open-door laminoplasty] in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Methods : The authors reviewed 14 cases in whom combined anterior and posterior approach performed for cervical myelopathy due to simultaneous anterior and posterior pathology such as huge central disc herniation with narrow spinal canal between January 2000 and December 2002. Clinical symptoms were evaluated by Japanese Orthopaedic Association [JOA] score and then the cervical curvature, change of spinal canal to vertebral body[SC/VB] ratio and canal widening were measured and compared to the clinical symptoms. Results : The mean JOA score increased from $10.4{\pm}3.1$ preoperatively to $14.8{\pm}1.2$ at the final follow up with a mean recovery rate 66.4%. In all cases, there were not neurologic deterioration. Mild postoperative complications developed in two cases. One patient had a limitation of range of neck motion and the other one showed kyphotic change. Postoperative radiography showed an improvement of body to canal ratios [average $0.70{\pm}0.08$ before surgery to $1.05{\pm}0.12$ after surgery and mainte nance or recovery of cervical lordosis. Canal widening of antero-posterior diameter and dimension after operation is 6.8mm. $116.61mm^2$. Conclusion : Combined anterior and posterior procedure could be helpful in decompression of the spinal cord and good functional recovery in spondylotic myelopathy patients with combined anterior and posterior pathology such as huge disc herniation accompanying narrow spinal canal.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.2917-2921
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• 2016

Background: To explore factors that influence quality of life (QOL) in patients receiving breast conserving therapy (BCT). Materials and Methods: In this sequential mixed methods study, 118 women from Songklanagarind Hospital were included. We used participants' characteristics, Body Image Scale (BIS), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy with the Breast Cancer Subscale (FACT-B) for analysis. The BIS transformed into presence of body image disturbance (BID). Factors that influenced QOL were determined by stepwise multiple linear regression. Forty-one participants were selected for qualitative analysis. Our female researcher performed the semi-structured interviews with questions based on the symbolic interaction theory. Final codes were analysed using thematic analysis along with investigator triangulation methods. Results: Ninety percent had early stage breast cancer with post-completed BCT, for an average of 2.7 years. The median BIS score and FACT-B score were 2 (IQR=10) and 130 (IQR=39). In the regression analysis, an age of more than 50 years and BID were significant factors. As for the value of conserved breasts, two themes emerged: a conserved breast is an essential part of a participant's life and also the representation of her womanhood; the importance of a breast is related to age. Conclusions: Body image influenced QOL in post BCT participants. The conserved breasts also lead to positive and better impact on their body image as an essential part of their life.

• Diabetes and Metabolism Journal
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.519-528
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• 2018

Background: Clinical manifestations of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) vary along the course of nerve damage. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) have been suggested as a way to confirm diagnoses of DPN, but the results have limited utility for evaluating clinical phenotypes. The current perception threshold (CPT) is a complementary method for diagnosing DPN and assessing DPN symptoms. We compared NCS variables according to clinical phenotypes determined by CPT measurements. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who underwent both NCS and CPT tests using a neurometer. CPT grades were used to determine the clinical phenotypes of DPN: normoesthesia (0 to 1.66), hyperesthesia (1.67 to 6.62), and hypoesthesia/anesthesia (6.63 to 12.0). The Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) was used to determine a subjective symptom score. DPN was diagnosed based on both patient symptoms (MNSI score ${\geq}3$) and abnormal NCS results. Results: A total of 202 patients (117 men and 85 women) were included in the final analysis. The average age was 62.6 years, and 71 patients (35.1%) were diagnosed with DPN. The CPT variables correlated with MNSI scores and NCS variables in patients with diabetes. Linear regression analyses indicated that hypoesthesia was associated with significantly lower summed velocities and sural amplitudes and velocities, and higher summed latencies, than normoesthesia. Sural amplitude was significantly lower in patients with hyperesthesia than in patients with normoesthesia. Conclusion: NCS variables differed among patients with diabetes according to clinical phenotypes based on CPT and decreased sural nerve velocities was associated with hyperesthesia.

• Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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• 2015.05a
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• pp.244-244
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• 2015

Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) in the form of Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) systems are being applied for numerous water augmentation projects both in developed and developing countries. Given the onset of Climate Change and its influence on weather patterns and land use, it has been acknowledged the utilization of this technology will be ever increasing. This technique like all others does have its drawbacks or disadvantages, whereby to overcome these drawbacks or disadvantages it is recommended that logical planning process be followed. In this study, we developed a decision framework known as "Decision framework for the planning, designing, construction/testing and implementation of subsurface water storage system" to further standardize the planning and design process of subsurface water storage system to increase the probability of having a successful ASR/ASTR project. The formulation of this framework was based on earlier frameworks, guidelines, published papers and technical reports which were compiled into a data collection database. The database of which consider both qualitative and quantitative aspect for example recharge objectives, site location, water chemistry of the native, source and recovered water, aquifer characteristics(hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, porosity), injection/pumping rate, ecological constraints, societal restrictions, regulatory restrictions etc. The assimilation of these factors into a singular framework will benefit the broad spectrum of stakeholder as it maps the chronological order under which ASR project should be undertaken highlighting at each stage the feasibility of the project. The final stage of which should result in fully operational ASR system. The framework was applied to two case studies and through the application of a modified ASR site selection suitability index (Brown et al., 2005) a score was derived to identify the performance of each site. A high score of which meant a maximize chance of success given the reduce presence of project constraints.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.63 no.4
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• pp.740-750
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• 2021

This study was performed to investigate genetic relationship of age at first calving (AFC) with body development and reproduction capacity in female Hanwoo. The data sets of 52,299 reproduction records of 19,566 heads calved from 2011 to 2019 and conformation records of 19565 heads born from 1997 to 2017 were analyzed by separating them based on age at first calving. In the analysis, conformation traits included the body condition score (BCS), height (HT), body width (BW), hip bone length (HL), hip bone width (HW), and final score (FS). The heritability and genetic correlation of AFC with conformation traits and calving interval (CI) were analyzed. The heritability for AFC was 0.716, 0.087, and 0.097 for the before and after 24 months and combined data, respectively. The genetic correlation of AFC before 24 months with BCS was -0.778, -0.600 with BW, and 0.442 with HT. The genetic correlation of AFC after 24 months with HT was -0.826, -0.706 with BW, -0.623 with HL, -0.456 with HW, and -0.675 with FS. When the first calving age of young heifers approached 24 months, BCS and BW decreased, and HT increased. When first calving is delayed to after 24 months, the conformation traits become smaller, which indicates that conformation to some extent affects the delay in AFC. The genetic correlation between CI and AFC was -0.116, 0.307, and 0.250 for the before and after 24 month of AFC and combined data, respectively. When first calving date approached 24 months, CI was reduced. The obtained results suggest that it is important that first calving occurs at an appropriate age. Additional research is needed to perform proper genetic evaluation of first calving age in Hanwoo cattle in Korea.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.182-189
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• 2021

Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between sleep quality during pregnancy and preterm birth. Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted between August 2018 and May 2019. The participants were 150 pregnant women who had been referred to 7 healthcare centers in the city of Qazvin, Iran and met the inclusion criteria. The Petersburg Sleep Quality Index, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and 2 questions about daytime sleep status and a demographic questionnaire were administered at 14-18 weeks and 28-32 weeks of gestation. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test, the Fisher exact test, and univariate and multivariable logistic regression. Results: In the present study, poor sleep quality affected 84.7% of the participants at 14-18 weeks and 93.3% at 28-32 weeks of gestation. The final model for preterm birth prediction incorporated age and the Petersburg Sleep Quality Index score in the second and third trimesters. Preterm birth increased by 14% with each unit increase in age. With each unit increase in the Petersburg Sleep Quality Index score in the second and third trimesters, preterm birth increased by 42% and 28%, respectively, but the p-values of these factors were not significant. Conclusions: Although a significant percentage of pregnant women had poor sleep quality, no significant relationship was found between sleep quality during pregnancy and preterm birth.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.518-530
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• 2021

Background: This study examined the effect of having a usual source of care on the degree of patient-centered communication among persons with disability. The role of the usual source of care has been emphasized to improve patient experience, especially for patients with complex health conditions. Methods: This study used the 2017-2018 Korean Health Panel data, and the final study observations were 22,475 (20,806 people without disability and 1,669 people with disability). We applied generalized estimating equation model to show the effect of having a usual source of care on patient-centered communication, and subgroup analysis considering the types and severity of disabilities. Results: Persons who have disabilities, compared with ones without it, significantly had more usual sources of care (32.4% vs. 24.6%). By type of disability, persons with mental (51.4%), internal organ (43.8%), visual (37%), and physical disabilities (31.6%) had more usual sources of care than hearing/speech (26.6%), and developmental disabilities (18.6%). The average score of patient-centered communication was higher among who had a usual sources of care (3.2 vs. 2.7), and the regression analysis showed that having a usual sources of care was positively associated with higher patient-centered communication score (𝛽=0.476, p<0.05). However, the positive effects of usual sources of care was not observed among persons with severe hearing/speech, developmental, and mental disabilities. Conclusion: This study showed that role of patient-centered communication was limited in persons with severe hearing/speech disabilities, developmental, and mental disabilities. The education programs and supports are needed to improve communication skills between medical staff and persons with specific types of disabilities.

• Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.479-483
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• 2018

Background: We developed a modified proximal scarf osteotomy technique for moderate to severe hallux valgus in an attempt to obtain better correction of the deformity. In addition, we compared the clinical and radiographic results of this modified technique with those of the classic scarf osteotomy reported in other studies. Methods: Between December 2004 and July 2009, 44 cases of modified proximal scarf osteotomy was performed in 35 patients with moderate hallux valgus. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, range of motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, and radiographic results were evaluated. Results: The mean hallux valgus angle and the mean first intermetatarsal angle improved from an average of $32.2^{\circ}$ and $14.3^{\circ}$, respectively, to an average of $12.5^{\circ}$ and $8.6^{\circ}$, respectively. The distal metatarsal articular angle improved from an average of $18.7^{\circ}$ to $12.4^{\circ}$. The preoperative mean AOFAS and VAS scores were 47 points and 7 points, respectively, which improved to 86 points and 1 point, respectively, at the final follow-up. Limited range of motion occurred in two cases postoperatively. The height of the first metatarsal-cuneiform joint, which was an average of 15.9 mm preoperatively, did not change. The first metatarsal-talus angle increased from an average of $4.1^{\circ}$ to $7.1^{\circ}$. Conclusions: The modified proximal scarf osteotomy for the treatment of moderate hallux valgus showed similar results with the classic scarf osteotomy with regard to changes in the first intermetatarsal angle and postoperative satisfaction. Therefore, we suggest the modified proximal scarf osteotomy be considered as well as other proximal osteotomy in the treatment of moderate to severe hallux valgus.